Don’t be a tosser — help keep Port Stephens clean

Port Stephens Council is encouraging residents and visitors to take responsibility for their rubbish by putting it in a bin or taking it with them as part of a statewide Don’t be a Tosser! campaign.

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Council’s Waste Management Coordinator Chris Cannard said the important message is being rolled out on radio, online and in newspapers across Port Stephens.

“Port Stephens is known for its incredible natural beauty — and we want to keep it that way,” Mr Cannard said.

“The Don’t be a Tosser! campaign is a reminder that throwing your rubbish anywhere other than in a bin is unacceptable.

“By raising awareness of littering and the serious impacts it causes we’re hoping to drive change in behaviour.

“Litter doesn’t just look bad — it’s also very costly. More than $180 million a year is spent managing litter in NSW. That money could be much better spent on services or projects for communities like ours,” he said.

Mr Cannard says cigarette butts continue to be by far the most littered item in NSW, making up 43% of all litter.

“During a recent local litter check in Nelson Bay, we uncovered over 480 cigarette butts in a 12 metre survey area alone. Across 20 sites at Raymond Terrace and Nelson Bay, we found 1449 cigarette butts littered. These ultimately end up polluting our waterways, so it’s really important they go in the bin.

“It’s up to all of us to take responsibility for our litter and take a bit more pride in our place. Remember: if it’s not in the bin, it’s on you,” he said.

Research consistently identifies littering as an area of concern across NSW. The Don’t be a Tosser! campaign is part of the NSW Government’s comprehensive anti-littering program. It aims to reduce litter by sending a clear message that littering is unacceptable.

For more information about the campaign, visit epa.nsw.gov.au/your-environment/litter-and-illegal-dumping/epa-work-prevent-litter/dont-be-a-tosser